World Thoroughbreds

Thoroughbreds?

I have noticed a lot more people are getting Thoroughbreds, ex racers. We recently rescued one and I have never had the breed before, we’ve only had quarter horses. Some suggestions from experienced owners would be great! Like I know they have thin hoof walls, how do you deal with that? We trail ride and there are rocks in his pasture so they chip easily. Bell boots? 24-7? We ride western, what type of saddle do you use? Having a hard time fitting him, tried on ALOT! Any other advice for the beautiful breed would be greatly appreciated!

I’m glad you’re in the know about TBs and their hooves – so many people ignore that part of the buying process!

TBs have weak hooves and weak legs. This applies especially to racehorses or ex-racehorses. Many former racers leave the track with bowed tendons, joint strain, premature arthritis, etc, because they are run too much on legs that aren’t strong enough. So definitely watch your new horse’s feet and legs in these first few weeks. If he seems a bit lame, then put him on some bute for a day or so and see if it clears up. With time, he’ll adjust to his new territory and won’t hurt his legs.

As for the boots – bell boots or polo wraps might be a good idea now while he’s adjusting, but he probably shouldn’t wear them forever. For one thing, I hate bell boots on western horses. Just looks awful. For another, it’s better to let him get used to his surroundings rather than trying to protect him from everything.

The saddle part is usually pretty hard with TBs. They normally have sort of skinny backs and butts, which is not ideal in a western saddle. First try using a riser pad or lifts under the saddle to keep it sitting properly. If this doesn’t work, consider looking at alternative saddles – I think they make special “skinny” western saddles, you’d have to look online to see for sure. A thicker pad might help too.

My best advice for you is to spend lots and lots of time with him! Thoroughbreds can be a bit neurotic when left to their own devices. Plenty of exercise and attention will solve this quickly. They also feel better when they have a very steady relationship with their rider.

Best of luck!

Buster-B-Quick under Western saddle and tack for the first time.

Horses of Today: Arabian, Thoroughbred, Saddle Horse, Standardbred, Western, Pony Dust jacket notes: “Here is a full, fascinating, and witty account of today’s horses, by a foremost authority on this subject. Mrs. Self recounts her own favorites as well as presenting invaluable information on the various breeds of horses. Her analyses are thorough, ranging from discussion of the far-reaching origins of each breed to its use in the present.”…